WV Recreation Department Blog

Memorial Day Weekend: Youth Fishing Derby, Boat Rentals, Climbing Wall, Kid's Night Out, Chowderfest...

2012-05-23T06:50:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend Events in The Valley

Memorial Day Weekend is almost upon us and The Valley will be bustling with fun-filled, family activities all weekend long. Here's your guide to getting the most out of your holiday weekend.

'Casting for Kirby' Youth Fishing Derby

Youth Fishing Derby, Saturday AM in Town Square. Grand Prize Winner takes home a kayak & paddle!

Do you have what it takes to catch Kirby, the fabled, giant fish swimming deep within the waters of Corcoran Pond? Join us on Saturday, May 26, and find out! Event-day registration opens at 7:30 am in Town Square, with start times staggered by age (all participants will be fishing by 8:30 am). Free t-shirts to the first 100 registrants (don't worry, our pre-registration hasn't yet reached 100)! We'll have great interpretive displays from The Margret & H. A. Rey Center & Squam Lakes Science Center, plus a bounce house, great prizes & more! Derby fishing will end at 11 am with awards ceremony & cash BBQ to follow. DISCOUNTED PRE-REGISTRATION HAS ENDED; Please click the link above to download, print & complete an entry form & save time checking-in on derby day. Call (603) 236-4695 for more information. Presented by WV Department of Public Safety, Recreation Department, and Trout Unlimited Pemi Chapter, with generous support from Town Square, Invernizzi Landscaping, WV Realty & many others.

Corcoran Pond Waterfront Boat Rentals to Open for 2012 Season

Corcoran Pond Waterfront Boat Rentals to Open for 2012 Season following Fishing Derby on Saturday

We celebrate the 2012 opening of Corcoran Pond Waterfront Boat Rentals following the conclusion of our fishing derby, on Saturday, May 26 (approximately 12 noon). Rentals include timeless classics and update favorites: paddle boats, new single kayaks, tandem kayaks & new canoes! Boat Rentals will operate weekends-only (weather permitting) until June 23, when we begin summer programming & daily rentals. Cash & check only, please; RESIDENTS/TAXPAYERS: Don't forget to ask about our 'Season Pass', offered at a discount vs. the daily rate.

Grab your copy of The Resort Insider & stay 'in the know'

The Resort Insider: Your "One-Stop", comprehensive guide to programs & events in The Valley

The Recreation Department (& other organizations) have a schedule of events that far-exceeds fishing and boat rentals. Back in our building (Noon Peak Road, connected to the Elementary School), we'll be hosting Open Gym & Basketball times, Paint Your Own Pottery programs, Open Climb Times on Saturday/Sunday and a Saturday-night Valley standard: Kid's Night Out (call 236-4695 to register)! And don't forget, we are the source to purchase NH Fish & Game licenses & WMNF parking passes. Click here to download & print your copy of The Resort Insider, a weekly publication, courtesy of WV Realty, that details activities & events from all of WV's program providers.

Vote for your favorite Chowder to win the Golden Clam Award!

Town Square presents the 23rd Annual Chowderfest & Brews on Sunday, May 27

Area restaurants bring their chowders to booths at Town Square in hopes of winning the coveted prize of the Golden Clam Award, 12 noon - 2 pm. In the brew tent from 12 noon - 4 pm, Town Square will be serving up New Hampshire seasonal ales by Smuttynose Brewery. The days events will be accompanied by a FREE concert from a great, area band. Admission fee gets guests ample-sized tastes of each chowder & an official ballot to vote for their favorite concoction. Admission is $7.50 for adults (ages 13+) & $5 for children (ages 12 & under). Presented by Waterville Valley's Town Square. For more info, please call (603) 236-8311.

We hope that you'll have plenty of ways to spend your days, with friends & family, this weekend in WV!

Yours in recreation,

Tom

The BIG Spring Update: Memorial Day Weekend, Youth Fishing Derby, Corcoran Pond Boat Rentals, Summer Program Guide & MORE!

2012-05-09T10:15:00.002-04:00

It's been quite a while since our last blog entry...and we've been busy bees putting the finishing touches on Memorial Day Weekend & summer programming. Whats the old adage? When it rains....well, this update is going to be a big one, so make yourself comfortable & settle in for the long haul.

Summer is almost here ~ read all about it below!

Spring Climbing Schedule

Spring climbing is well under way, and that means more and more climbers are making their way outdoors to Rumney cliffs & surrounding areas. This otherwise-quiet, 'climbing gym' time has been the perfect opportunity for us to re-work the routes on the indoor wall; a process that, albeit slow, is ongoing, in preparation for a busy summer season . Join us on Saturday afternoons & influence the routes you love to climb...in fact, if the day is right, we may even have you help us move holds!

Next on the list: Community Clean-Up & After School Antics Zip-Line Field Trip

On Friday, May 11, 2012, the Recreation Department, in coordination with The Rey Center, Litter-Free NH & Roper Real Estate is proudly presenting our annual 'Community Clean-Up' (think spring cleaning for the Valley floor). Volunteers (including our very own WVES students & staff) meet at the Recreation Department at 1 pm to pick-up a route, trash bags & rubber gloves; Return to the Rec at 3 pm for light refreshments & a 'clean-up' gift as a token of our appreciation. We invite all community members, year-round or seasonal, young or old, to help us beautify our incredible mountain community. In the event of inclement weather, we will re-schedule for Monday, May 14.

Community Clean-Up & Margret's Hat Garden Club

Margret's Hat Garden Club Re-Invented for Summer 2012!

The Town has 8 flower plots of varying size that are in particular need of some TLC and we are looking for volunteers with a green thumb: responsibilities include weeding, planting, mulching and general maintenance of your plot throughout the summer & fall. The Town & Rey Center will provide the plantings, mulch, tools & weekly watering. Details can be found by clicking the link above or dropping us a line at 236-4695.

After School Antics Field Trip to Alpine Adventures Zip-Lines

Just in case any of our WVES students have energy left to spare following the Community Clean-Up, we are hosting our annual, spring Zip Lining Field Trip on the afternoon of Friday, May 11. As a special "Thank You" to our area youth for their participation in the clean-up, we have teamed up with Alpine Adventures to zip at a deeply discounted rate ($60 includes transportation, supervision & pizza dinner). Age & weight restrictions apply, as per Alpine Adventures policy; please see the flyer for more details. THERE WILL BE NO OTHER AFTER SCHOOL ANTICS OFFERING ON FRIDAY, MAY 11; IF YOU RELYING ON ASA FOR CHILD CARE THIS DAY, PLEASE PRE-REGISTER FOR THE FIELD TRIP.

Citizen Public Safety Academy Spring 2012

Ok, so this next one comes to you, courtesy of our friends at Public Safety. Chris, Dave & the team are offering up another session of the Citizen Public Safety Academy, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, from May 16 thru June 13. Learn all about police, fire & EMS operations in the Valley, from our very own hard-working professionals. Admission is FREE! Please contact Carina at Town Office, 236-4730, to sign-up!

Up next: Memorial Day Weekend Programs

3rd Annual 'Casting for Kirby' Youth Fishing Derby, Saturday, May 26

Memorial Day Weekend is the gateway to summer programs in the Valley. Corcroan Pond Boat Rentals open for the 2012 season (see below) & the waterfront is bustling with young anglers trying to catch their glimpse of 'Kirby', the legendary lunker living deep within waters of Corcoran Pond. We'll have great prizes across 3 age brackets, including our grand prize package: Kayak & Paddle (you provide the PFD)! Find a registration form on our website at www.watervillevalley.org/Recreation.html & sign-up today. Free event t-shirt to the first 100 registrants; what are you waiting for!

Corcoran Pond Waterfront 2012 Boat Rental Schedule

Memorial Day Weekend also celebrates the season opening of Corcoran Pond Boat Rentals. We'll have our entire fleet on-hand, Saturday, May 26, 2012, including brand-new kayaks & canoes, plus the tandem kayaks & peddle boats you love! Rentals are scheduled to open directly following the conclusion of the youth fishing derby (approximately 12 pm), & will operate on weekends only until June 23, 2012, when they begin operating 7 days a week thru the summer season (weather permitting). Grab a copy of the flyer for all the details.

American Red Cross Summer Swim Lessons with our WSI Liz

Speaking of water...did someone say Summer Swim Lessons (try saying that 3 times fast)? Join our very own Water Safety Instructor, Liz, for this 6-week, comprehensive, American Red Cross Swim Lesson course. Liz will be offering lessons on Tuesdays & Thursdays, by prior appointment. Please check out the flyer above & feel free to give her a shout at 236-4695 or online at gps@watervillevalley.org with any questions or to sign up.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2012 ~ PAPERMILL CHILDREN'S THEATRE PERFORMANCES!

Papermill Children's Theatre comes to the Recreation Department for Summer 2012!

Papermill Children's Theatre returns to the Valley for Summer 2012 & we are excited to announce that the weekly offerings will be held at the Recreation Department, on the indoor stage, in our multi-purpose room, rain-or-shine! Join us for weekly shows on Thursdays, at 10:30 am. Grab a cop copy of the flyer (above) for details about each week's performance; we hope to see you there!

AND NOW FOR THE NEWS EVERYONE'S BEEN WAITING FOR...

(ladies & gentlemen, drumroll please)

SUMMER 2012 PROGRAM GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE!

Summer 2012 Program Guide Now Available ~ Download & Print your copy here!

Summer is quickly approaching & we are excited to unveil our Summer 2012 Program Guide. This issue is PACKED full of summer camp info, day trips, daily programs, specialty clinics/camp, special events & so much more! Visit our website (from the link above) & get an e-copy now, even before the guide goes to print! We hope you are as excited as we are for the upcoming summer season ~ here's to an awesome, fun-filled summer!

Yours in recreation,

Tom

Climbing Rocks at the Recreation Department!

2012-01-28T13:59:00.001-05:00

Our 30' Horizontal Traverse Wall ~ Now with Challenge Course Elements

Climbing programs have reached all new heights (pun definitely intended) at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department! Whether you and the family are looking to push yourselves to the top, or seeking a great workout, our indoor climbing wall has what you need!

Many people have been asking questions like, "How old do you have to be to climb?", "Do you need any prior climbing experience?", "How do I rent the wall for my group?"

Carefully planning the route to the top!

Well, we've got the answers. Generally, anyone of any age and any skill level can enjoy climbing on our indoor wall. In fact, that's the beauty of climbing ~ it's fun, challenging & rewarding, for anyone, at any level! We've got climbs for the total first timer as well as those that will test the skills and endurance of even the most seasoned climbers.

Youth Climber being "tied-in" by Rec Staff

Safe & Challenging fun for any age!

As for age, we've had climbers as young as 4 (age is less important than size; we can get you on the wall, provided you properly fit into one of our wide-variety of harness sizes) and as old as, well, let's just say we've had plenty of adults climbing with us.

Carefully navigating though hula-hoops on the traverse wall

"No Experience Necessary" ~ How often do you hear this?!? As long as you're trying to climb, we'll offer positive feedback & guidance to help you reach the top. Remember: We'll never "push" anyone further than they choose; climbing is a "Challenge by Choice" activity and that means YOU choose how high/hard you climb. However, climbing is not "hanging" around; if you are just too tired/scared/etc..., and cannot continue to TRY climbing, no worries! We'll get you to the ground quickly & safely. (Please remember: For everyone's safety and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to climb, climbers on-rope but no longer attempting to climb will be lowered immediately.)

Climber about to top out ~ Ring that cowbell!

How about rentals? Well, we ~~can~~ love to do that, too! The indoor climbing wall is a great year-round, "weather-independent" activity choice for birthday parties, team outings, reunions, corporate events & more! We will help plan your climbing wall program & provide all the trained staff to make sure everyone has an exhilarating (and safe) time! For more info regarding facility rentals and program services, please check out our website.

Youth & adult participants in our 1st Annual Winter Climbing Competition ~ December Vacation Week

Well, before I sign off, I guess I should end with a few quick reminders:

The Indoor Climbing Wall is open for Winter Hours (thru April 6, 2012) on Wednesday evenings, 4 - 6 pm; Friday evenings, 6 - 9 pm; and Saturday afternoons, 2:30 - 5 pm. (Schedule is subject to change during holiday/vacation periods; please call ahead to confirm). Of course, we offer private climbing wall rentals (see above); please be sure to give us 2 weeks notice, so we can best accommodate your group.

Winter Climbing Programs Flyer ~ Click Here to Download & Print a Copy

The Indoor Climbing Wall is open to the public ~ that means everyone ~ and we welcome the opportunity to serve not only our residents and guests, but also our friends and neighbors from the greater Plymouth region. Cost is $5 for a single roped climb (on the vertical wall) & $10 for 3 climbs; all paying participants enjoy unlimited climbing on the horizontal traverse wall challenge course. Become a "regular" at our wall by purchasing an "Annual Family Pass" ~ $125 per family (up to 5 family members; $10 per additional family member) & never worry about paying the daily fee, and receive complimentary admission to our Climbing Competitions throughout the year. Guests of Waterville Valley Resort (staying at participating lodges) may present your "Winter Unlimited Pass" for complimentary admission.

Last but not least ~ SNEAKERS ARE REQUIRED for all climbers. Barefoot climbing is strictly prohibited, as is climbing in winter boots!

See you on-belay ~

Tom

Thanksgiving Weekend Programs in the Valley

2011-11-18T22:36:00.001-05:00

View of Mt. Tecumseh from the Recreation Department Friday morning ~ The Ski Area blowing snow in anticipation of next week's season opening.

Good afternoon from beautiful Waterville Valley Resort! Mother Nature has given us quite a ride over the past few months, from Tropical Storm Irene to pre-Halloween snow, but it looks like we are [finally] back on track. Temperatures are dipping, snow guns are humming & the forecast calls for brisk days ahead...so who's ready for some winter?

The Waterville Valley Recreation Department (WVRD) has a fun-filled weekend of programming for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. On Wednesday, November 23, the Recreation Department will close at 12 noon; we will remain closed on Thursday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving, and re-open for programs on Friday, November 25.

To stay up on all the latest offerings from the WVRD, check out the scrolling Google calendar on our website (and if you're so inclined, you may "subscribe" to our program calendar & never miss a beat). Of course, the best way to get stay availed of all of the Resorts' programs & events is to grab yourself the latest copy of 'The Resort Insider', a weekly publication, courtesy of Waterville Valley Realty.

Here's a couple of things we don't want you to miss:

On Friday, November 25, we will offer an evening youth program, from 5 pm - 7 pm, for ages 5+. We'll be offering basketball, sand art, fusion beading & a movie on the big screen (+ popcorn for all!). Pre-registration is requested; please call us at (603) 236-4795 for more details. This is a great way to for kids to kick off our first weekend of Winter programs.

On Saturday, we officially begin our Winter Program Schedule, heralding in our weekly 'Kids Night Out' program. That's Right: beginning on Saturday, November 26, Kids Night Out returns to our weekly program offering, throughout the remainder of winter ~ but don't forget to sign-up early, as we require a minimum of 15 participants by 5 pm, but often are filled-to-capacity!

On Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, we offer Open Gym from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm; this marks the beginning of the WVRD being open again for Sunday programs (for those whom aren't following along at home, we have been closed on Sundays during the fall).

We hope to see you here in the Valley over the upcoming holiday weekend & our staff eagerly awaits the opportunity to meet your recreation needs!

Yours in recreation,

Tom

P.S. Did I mention the Ski Area opens on Friday, November 25???

Fall Foliage Festival, Columbus Day Weekend

2011-10-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

Fall Foliage Foot Race, 5k Start (2009)

This years Fall Foliage Festival at Waterville Valley Resort is only days away, over the Columbus Day Weekend holiday. We hope that you're excited as we are! Here's everything you need to know about all of the great events the Valley will be offering over the extended weekend.

Waterville Valley Resort welcomes the 2011 BSA NH State Jamboree! Over 2,000 scouts will be camping at the ski area Friday & Saturday nights, and enjoying the many & varied exhibitors and scout programs that will be set-up outside of the Town Square & surrounding areas. For more information, please visit the NH Scouting webpage.

The Waterville Valley BBTS Snowsports Educational Foundation holds their annual ski & snowboard swap, at Town Square. Sport Thoma will also be holding their Annual Columbus Weekend Sale. If you are looking to sell some "experienced" gear, or pick up the newest mountain tech, this is the place to be! While you're there, stop in & check out Town Square's newest shop, 1829 Outfitters, offering the latest from The North Face, Timberland, Swix, and more.

Here at the Recreation Department, we offer our Community Yard Sale, Corcoran Pond Boat Rentals and Kids Night Out on Saturday, October 8. Limited spots remain for Kids Night Out, so if you're between the ages of 7 - 13, now's the time to sign up!

On Sunday, October 9, join us for our Fall Foliage Foot Race, including 1.6k fun run and 5k race. Proceeds from this year's race will benefit Hoops for Heroes and the completion of the WV Elementary School Playground. Don't worry if you didn't make the pre-registration deadline; race day registration opens at 9 am on Packard Field.

We round out the weekend with Open Gym on Sunday (1 pm - 5 pm) & Monday (10 am - 5 pm), Boat Rentals (10 am - 4 pm; all weekend, weather permitting) & Used Boat Sale on Monday (12 pm - 4 pm) at the Corcoran Pond Waterfront. Grab a sweet deal as we sell-off some of our {used, not abused} single and double kayaks & canoes.

There's so much to do....including all of our Summer Unlimited activities, games & performances in Town Square, Rey Center programs including astronomy, lectures, story hours and more!

We know that tracking all of this fun can be overwhelming. That's exactly why we want you to have your very own copy of The Resort Insider. To get your copy of Dub V's weekly newsletter, including comprehensive program & events calendar, quick facts, resort news & more, click here!

Hope to see you out there this weekend!

Yours in recreation,

~Q

End of Summer Slideshow!

2011-08-24T14:15:00.001-04:00

Thanks for a great summer everyone!

This slideshow includes photos from: Staff Orientation week, Independence Day, Summer Camp, Fishing Clinic, the Climbing Wall, Movie in the Park, the Ugotta Regatta and more! Thanks to everyone who is in the photos, and everyone who took pictures and posted them to our Facebook page this Summer.

And Thank You for reading!

~Krista

It's Luau Time!

2011-08-17T11:31:00.005-04:00

Aloha everybody! The summer is almost over and to celebrate what a great summer it has been so far we are hosting a community Luau at Corcoran Pond! Thursday, August 18th from 5:30-7:30 stop by the pond for a tropical fun time!

What you'll find at this year's Luau:

~A live band! "Endangered Species"

~Smoothie bar

~S'mores

~ A cash BBQ including: Burgers & hotdogs, chips, water & soda

~Campfire

~Hula Contest

~Limbo Contest

~Pinata Smashing

It's going to be a great time! Hope you can make it :)

In other news:

This is the last week of Summer Camp here at the Rec. Department! Next week is Field Trip week!!

Liz and Eric's wedding last weekend was a blast! Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Gibbs!

The Curious George Festival had a great turn out and we were happy to be a part of it again this year.

Our Movie in the Park "Back to the Future" was the last one for the summer but we hope to do it again next year!

Aloha!

Krista

August 13: A Big Day!

2011-08-10T10:10:00.005-04:00

This weekend is a busy one for us here at the Recreation Department! Our Waterfront Supervisor & Recreator Extraordinaire, Liz, is getting married on Saturday! We are so excited for Liz and her fiancé Eric and we wish them all the best for a very happy life together.

This weekend is also the Curious George Festival:Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th. Our Recreation Staff will be offering fun festival games for the kids to play so make sure you check it out!

On Saturday night we are also having our second Movie in the Park! This time we will be featuring the 1985 hit "Back to the Future." The movie is free and there will be popcorn and snacks for a small price. Make sure to bring warm clothes and blankets or chairs as the movie is outdoors at Packard Field. We hope to start the movie at dusk, around 8pm. Hope to see you there!

World of Sports Summer Carnival

2011-08-03T10:13:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wanted to take a shot at Tim Thomas? Throw a pitch like Papelbon? Shoot hoops like Shaq? Then you're in luck because the Summer Carnival this year is sports themed! The "World of Sports Summer Carnival" is Thursday, August 4th from 6-8PM. Join us in Town Square for some fun sports-themed carnival games, raffles, live music and fun prizes!

Tickets are $.25 cents each, or 5/$1.00. Special this year: If you wear sports-related attire you get your first five tickets FREE!

All ages are welcome! Can't wait to see you there!

(If it rains, we will move to the gym at the Recreation Department!)

*P.S.- Happy Birthday to our very own Tom Q. !

~Krista

Summer Camp Summary!

2011-07-28T10:41:00.005-04:00

Here's a little update on what's been going on at the Recreation Department's Summer Camp. We have four different age groups: WINGS ( 4-6 yrs), SOAR (7-9 yrs), PEAK (10-12 yrs) and SUMMIT (12-14 yrs). So far this summer we have seen great numbers of campers in each group, but the biggest group this summer has been PEAK! The summer so far has been full of fun activities with every week having a different theme: Under the Sea, Seasons, Western, Olympics, and next week is Circus themed! Field trips that we have gone on so far include Whale's Tale, Cranmore Adventure Park, Six Gun City, Lost River Gorge & Echo Lake. Upcoming Field trips include the SEE Science Center & Weirs Beach Go Carts, Roller Skating, The Montshire Museum and the Vermont Corn Maze. Of course camps have had some fun adventures right here in Waterville Valley too! We attend Papermill Children's Theatre on Thursdays, do nature activities with the Rey Center, Swim and boat at Corcoran Pond, play on Packard Field, climb our new rock wall, Hike & Bike the trails, cook, do crafts, and just have a great time!

Tomorrow is our combined camp day in Holderness with the Holderness Recreation Department. We are going to participate in field games and fun activities like relay races, obstacle courses and eating ice cream donated by the Common Man!

Remember if you're going to be around for camp on August 22-26 it is our Field Trip Week and there is already a waiting list. We need everyone to pre-register before August 15, and make sure you can go so we have accurate numbers for our bus!

Field Trip Week includes:

Whale's Tale- Monday

Boston Children's Museum- Tuesday

Clark's Trading Post- Wednesday

Santa's Village- Thursday

Wellington Beach- Friday

If you have any questions about our Summer Camp check out our website or call (603)236-4695

It's been a fun summer so far and I can't wait for all the fun we'll have in August :)

Krista

Do Ugotta Regatta?

2011-07-22T07:49:00.006-04:00

*Update: Congrats to the Bike Shop boys who won the Gulvosen Cup this year!

On Saturday, July 23rd join the boat staff and recreation staff at the Ugotta Regatta! Head on down to Corcoran Pond at 10am for a free Sandcastle Contest on the beach, followed by canoe and kayak races at 11am, and of course the Boat Oughtta Float contest! I've heard there are already some boats under construction!

The winner of the Boat Oughtta Float Contest will receive the Gulvosen Cup!Don't forget however that there are important rules and regulations for your boat to follow!

(you can't actually use a pre-made boat!)

For full rules & information check out our website!

Have a fantastic time on the water this weekend!

~Krista

Movie in the Park!

2011-07-08T14:56:00.008-04:00

Tomorrow, Saturday the 9th is our first ever Movie in the Park! We will be setting up a giant screen in Packard Field and the admission is FREE! There will be drinks and popcorn and snacks available for a small cost. So, bring your blankets, bring your families and come enjoy a movie under the starry sky.

SO- what movie are we watching!? "How to Train Your Dragon" is a fun film for the whole family. (I could write a whole review but I don't want to spoil anything!) The animation is beautiful and the story is a great adventure. AND there are dragons. Lots of dragons!

*update! The Movie in the Park was a lot of fun! Tom, Annie, Luke & I sold a lot of popcorn, candy and drinks, and there were several glow bracelets lighting up the field too. We ended up starting the movie after the fireworks, which I think was really pretty even though the movie started a bit later than expected. At the end of the night we had about 150 people in chairs and on blankets covering Packard Field for a fun night out watching the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless :)

In other news-- It's Black Fly Tri time here in the Valley and the Recreation Department will be hosting S'mores at our campfire on the beach tonight from 7-9 at Corcoran's Pond. A special welcome to everyone who is visiting us this weekend!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Krista

Independence Day Weekend!

2011-07-05T13:01:00.017-04:00

Here's a little update on how our Independence Day Weekend went! Saturday, July 2nd was our Independence Day Family Festival in Town Square. We had tons of fun inflatables like Seaweed the Sea Serpent, Adrenaline Force Obstacle Course, Giant blow up slides, a bounce house, and a giant game of Twister! We also had a fun tie-dye shirt station, a watermelon eating contest, a pie throwing contest, Mo the Clown, Crafting with Linda, face painting and a BBQ! The weather was beautiful and we passed out over 200 wristbands! Saturday night we also had a full Kid's Night Out where we played gym games and made pin wheels for the Fourth.

Sunday, July 3rd was our parade! The weather was a little rainy, but we still had over 70 people show up on bikes, scooters, or on foot. We even had some fun floats including the 2011 winner of the Spirit Cup, the Couch Potatoes. Thanks to everyone who came out to make our parade a great one!

The weekend was very busy but full of fun! We appreciate everyone who came out to help and who participated in our programs! We are so lucky to live in a beautiful and fun community!

In other news: The summer camp is bustling with campers in WINGS, SOAR, & PEAK. Tomorrow we are heading on our first field trip of the summer to Whale's Tale!

Tonight is our first Public Climb Time on the NEW climbing wall. It's only $5.00 per climb or $10 for three climbs.

*Special thanks to Tom Q. for the photos! Check out more on our Facebook Page.

Thanks for reading!
Krista

Orientation Week

2011-06-24T14:49:00.016-04:00

Here is a wrap-up of our orientation week!

Monday: CPR & First Aid with Jeff & Colleen at the Town Office

Tuesday: Team building and name-games, Ropes course and go-carts at the Weirs followed by ice cream.
The Rec Crew at Daytona Fun Park

Wednesday: We got our T-shirts & went over policies & procedures and water safety, then we had info. sessions with Town Manager Mark Decoteau & Jan Stearns from WV Realty. We also learned to "give them the pickle!" with customer service tips.

Thursday we went on a valley-wide tour with the WVRA and after lunch we broke into our specific recreation groups: General Programers, Boats, and Camps.

Friday we had another “eggsellent” team building activity: three groups had to come up with detailed instructions on how to cook a scrambled egg, then chef Rachel cooked up three dishes according to each set of directions! Camp staff won and got to take home the fabulous prize of an extra recreation shirt.

Friday afternoon was a wonderful BBQ at the Rec, with lots of guests from the Town and the WVRA and even our awesome Climbing Wall Construction workers. Burgers & Dogs were cooked up by Ice Arena staff Craig and Dave ☺

So, orientation is all finished and we are ready for the start of summer programs on Monday the 27th!! Come by at 9AM for the first day of summer camp, stop by the boats, and don’t forget a fabulous sundae at the first ice cream social of the summer!

For a complete list of Waterville’s activities, check out The Resort Insider.

For more fun photos from our orienation week check out our Facebook page!

Thanks for reading!
Krista

June Message from the Director

2011-06-23T17:26:00.004-04:00

It is hard to believe that our staff arrived for orientation this week. It seems like yesterday, we were ringing in the New Year with over 100 kids, skiing on Wednesdays with the elementary school, bustling with February Vacation week happenings and shoveling endless amounts of snow this winter! What can I say, time flies when you’re having fun!!!

June 27th marks the official start of summer programs for the Recreation Department. Families looking to pack their schedules with fun activities can enjoy nine weeks of a full slate of daily happenings. Waterville Valley visitors, vacationers, residents and owners can look forward to Summer Day Camp, Open Gym & Basketball times, craft and pottery hours, Ice Cream Socials, BINGO nights, Friday night campfires, Kids Night Out, Boat Rentals on Corcoran Pond and NEW this year, our Indoor Climbing Wall!!

Summer Day Camp is a drop in by the day program, Monday through Friday for those ages 4-14. Camp groups are active in the outdoors, creative with their crafts, wild about water and energetic day in and day out with age appropriate activities and excursions. Campers can look forward to boating on the pond, gym games, indoor rock climbing, time at the beach, crafts, cooking, pool hops, and exploring the Valley through geocaching, nature treks, and scoping out local swimming holes. Field Trip Wednesdays take us all over New England to state park beaches, museums, water parks, laser tag and more!

Summer Special Events will keep Waterville Valley hopping all summer long! Starting Saturday, July 2nd our Independence Day Family Festival will be held in Town Square. Following the festival, on Sunday, July 3rd our Hometown Parade will capture the spirit of 4th of July in Waterville Valley.

A Movie in the Park Night has been added to the list of events for Saturday, July 9th & August 13th. We are still deciding on what will be viewed, so please keep an eye out on our website for the movies to be played.
Even the dogs have a night to live it up with Paws on Packard’s Field, scheduled for Thursday, July 21st.
Ugotta Regatta boat races will be an attraction to watch again this year as “Team Kiwi” will try to defend it’s 1st place victory from last year. Gather in Town Square on Saturday, July 23rd to join in on the action.
Our Summer Carnival will kick off in Town Square on Thursday, August 4th. Live music, games, prizes and fun for all will be had.
Closing out summer, the beach will be transformed into an island oasis on August 18th for our Community Luau. Live “island” music, fruit smoothies, bbq, hula and limbo will rock the beach ending our run of summer special events.

New summer Rec. Department happenings include Tennis Clinics on Monday and Fridays, an Open Water Paddle Camp from July 5th-July 8th, Swim Lessons At Corcoran Pond Beach offered on Tuesdays, and Family Climb Gym Time on Fridays. Additionally, program participants can enjoy a Nordic Walking clinic on Saturday, July 16th, specialty crafts with Linda, Friday-Sundays and Scottish Country Dance on Tuesdays, all of which are new for summer 2011.

I’m looking forward to the Rec. Department busting day and night with all the great programs, event and happenings that we have lined up. Summer 2011 will be one to remember; but aren’t they all Waterville Valley??!!!
Cheers,
Rachel ☺
Director of Recreation

News From the Waterfront

2011-06-23T17:20:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!
On Saturday, May 28th we opened up the Waterfront and Boats for the 2011 summer season. We had a great weekend with lots of new and old faces and great energy! New for the Boats this year we have acquired a new double kayak and a new pedal boat to our fleet. Also, we are now offering a Season Pass to Property Owners in Waterville Valley. The cost is $50 for up to 4 family members and you get one punch per person each day.
Looking for your kids to get into some swim lessons this summer? We are now offering swim lessons on the beach on Tuesdays throughout the summer with an American Red Cross WSI instructor. This can allow kids to learn basic skills for entering the water, basic aquatic skills, safety skills, and breath control all the way up to advanced strokes.
Want to have a campfire on the beach? Just contact our Recreation Director, Rachel, to set up a rental times, staffing and applicable fees.
For more information or questions on all of the above, give us a ring at the Rec. Dept. at 603-236-4695.
See ya on the water!
~Liz

After School Antics Wrap-Up

2011-06-08T14:32:00.015-04:00

Hi there!

It is hard to believe that the 2010-11 After School Antics program is ending for the year! We have had so much fun this year hanging out with the kids and participating in different activities. Throughout the year we focused on healthy and fun projects and games. At 2:45 we have free play time in the gym and then follow that with a healthy snack and then we do the planned activity for the day. We play a lot of fun games in the gym or outside, we go hiking or to the pond, to Packard Field and the playground, or just behind the school to the new Boulder-shaped playground. We also enjoy arts and crafts projects, cooking, and community service. Here is a look back at some of the things we have done this year:

After School Antics got started in October with a great field-trip to the Corn Maze and Hart's Turkey Farm. In October we also started decorating the haunted house on the stage of the multi-purpose room to get ready for Haunted Halloween Happenings.

December was a bittersweet month for us because it was filled with fun activities such as the Helping Hands field trip to Wal-mart and the Candy Cottage construction, but then we had to say goodbye to our friend and counselor Keith (Kiwi) at his good-bye party on December 8th. Kiwi is doing well in Ohio, but we miss him still!

Some of our favorite activities in January included skating at the ice arena and going on a field trip to Funspot for bowling.

In January and February we wrote and produced our very own play called "My Super Sweet Sixteen Ocean Party Ball." It was a lot of fun performing for our friends and family.

In the month of March we went swimming at the White Mountain Athletic Club, and did a lot of sledding and playing in the snow.

April was a big month for hockey; floor hockey, and also street hockey outside after the snow melted. Our goals were used so much we ended up purchasing new goals and we even were able to obtain some great goalie pads and protective gear!

In May we participated in community clean-up, and because of our volunteer efforts with that event we were able to take a trip to Alpine Adventures on May 13 to go zip-lining!

June has had quite a few warm days already, and we have been spending a lot of time cooling off at the pond!

After School Antics will be having an end of the year party on Friday, June 10th. ASA starts at 2:45 at the Recreation Department and then we will most likely (weather permitting) head down to Corcoran Pond for a beach party!
Thanks everyone, this year in After School Antics was a blast!

Krista

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T11:35:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone!
This weekend has been very busy and tons of fun! There seem to be quite a few people up here in the valley to enjoy the weekend with us!

Saturday was the 2nd annual "Casting for Kirby"youth fishing derby at Corcoran Pond, and over 100 kids registered this year! There was a casting contest, a BBQ, a 50/50 raffle and tons of great prizes, including a bike and a camping package with a tent! Thanks to all of our sponsors and to everyone who came out to volunteer to make this program a great success. We hope everyone had fun fishing with us! Make sure to check out our Facebook Page for great photos and video from the day!

On Saturday we also opened up the waterfront and boats for the season! We have added some new boats to our fleet, and a new Property Owner Seasons Pass. Check it out!

Memorial Day has become a very important holiday to us here at the Rec. Several of our staff members spent Sunday morning at the 2nd Annual Bobcat 5k in Plymouth, walking or running in memory of Cpt. Doug DiCenzo and SPC Marc Paul Decoteau.Rec. staff at the Bobcat 5k run- "I run for Marc"

Thanks for reading! Hope you all had a great weekend. Keep checking our website for upcoming summer events!

Krista

Town Meeting, Spring & Life @ The Rec

2011-03-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

Howdy!

It's been a busy few weeks around the Valley, but the dust is settling & it's time for an update. Thanks to everyone who visited us during the vacation weeks; we had a great turn-out for our evening programs. Big Congratulations to our 3-on-3 B-ball Tourney Winners!

In the downtime (haha!), we passed our annual gym inspection (ropes, cargo net & hoops - still safe to enjoy!) & hosted the Special Olympics NH Winter Games floor hockey competition. For those who don't already know, Waterville Valley Resort is home to SONH winter games. Congrats to all the athletes & a sincere "thank you" to all the volunteers.

Last night, the Recreation Department hosted WV's Annual Town Meeting in our gymnasium. Thanks to the generosity of our resident population, we will be moving forward with the installation of an indoor climbing wall. It'll have 3 vertical routes, plus a horizontal traverse. We couldn't be more excited! It's going to take some time to install, but (fingers crossed) we hope to have it up & running for Summer 2011! Look for "Open Climb" times, public rentals, birthday parties & more to come from our newest addition!

And, for those wondering about the Ice Arena: The Town passed the motion to "long-term lease, with the option to buy" the arena to The Hockey Academy. Here's to wishing the best, for a successful venture, to all involved.

Ok. Spring. This weekend is the magical time of year when we adjust our clocks forward an hour! (Don't forget!) Well, we lose that hour (bummer), but it's just one more sign that we are well on our way towards Summer! On Wednesday, March 16, we are taking a bus trip to the Boston Flower & Garden Show. We've got a handful of seats left on the bus, so sign-up (what are you waiting for?)!

On March 20, we are co-hosting an event with The Waterville Academy for the Future Stars athletes. We are looking forward to a great evening of gym games, laser tag & ice cream! Maybe we'll see you here!

Winding down on Spring, we have our Easter Weekend activities on Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24th. Visit with the Easter Bunny, decorate a basket or bonnet & race around the Rec searching for eggs! Guaranteed fun!

Last but certainly not least: March is bustling with Rec Staffer birthdays! Help us spread the love by wishing a very happy birthday to the Rec Dept's very own Eliza (March 4), Tucker (March 5) Krista (March 10) & Katie (March 24)!

Signing off-

T-

New Recreation Department Blog & Email List!

2011-03-01T15:46:00.000-05:00

Just a quick hello to let our friends in cyberspace know that we now have a new & improved blog, courtesy of Google Blogger. All the latest feeds will AUTOMAGICALLY be posted to our Facebook wall as well as our Town Website.

Also, you'll notice that we have just created a new email list, courtesy of MailChimp services. It is a double-opt-in service, meaning that after you enter your details on our Town Website or Facebook page, you will receive an email that you must reply to in order to confirm your registration. We promise to never sell or share your info, & we are hoping to limit email correspondence to 3 or 4 per month (we know, we hate SPAM too!).

Recreation Department Annual Report 2010

2011-02-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

Download a PDF version of Annual Report by clicking here.

2nd Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney a Huge Success

2011-02-20T16:37:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all the participants & big congratulations to this year’s winning team!
Photo courtesy of Patrick Wadden

The Waterville Valley Recreation Department held it’s 2nd Annual 3 - on - 3 Basketball Tourney on Thursday, December 30, 2010. We had 12 teams competing this year for first place title.

The winning team consisted of Benjamin Wadden, Dillon Keough & Nate Fuller (of Golden Eagle Lodge fame)! The tournament was set-up as a Double-Elimination; participants played for about 3 & a half hours, with the final teams actually playing 7, 15-minute games in total.

This year’s tournament was a huge success, & twice the size of last year’s tourney.

Special thank you to all the teams for their incredible sportsmanship & to Patrick Wadden, for the photo & above content.

The Waterville Valley Recreation Department is thrilled to have this opportunity to highlight the recent renovations to the Recreation Department gymnasium. This summer’s renovations included new roofing, replacement of warped flooring, total re-finishing of the floor boards (including the WV logo at center court) & new glass backboards & rims.

We look forward to attracting tournaments & camps to our facility. For more information, please call (603) 236-4695.

Important Information regarding Recent Changes to the Adult Fitness Program

2011-02-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

Adult Fitness Programs now offered by the White Mountain Athletic Club

Effective January 1, 2011, administration of the Adult Fitness Class in Waterville Valley has been transferred to the White Mountain Athletic Club (WMAC) from the Waterville Valley Recreation Department (WVRD). All future payments, including the purchase of “Adult Fitness Punch Cards”, should now be made directly to the WMAC. Payment for fitness classes held at the WVRD should be made directly to the class instructor. All current, previously-purchased “Adult Fitness Punch Cards” have been transferred to & will be honored by the WMAC.

Please direct inquires regarding fitness program information to the WMAC at (603) 236-8303, or download the current Adult Fitness Calendar below.

We appreciate your understanding as we go forward with this change. Our commitment to support Adult Fitness Classes is unwavering, & class schedules will continue to be made available on-line at www.watervillevalley.org & in-person at the Recreation Department. Also, the Recreation Department gymnasium & multi-purpose room will be available for instructors wishing to utilize the space. Please contact the Recreation Department for more details.

December 2010 Vacation Week Calendar Now Available!

2011-02-20T16:30:00.000-05:00

There’s no better place to spend your holiday than Waterville Valley! We’ve got a great line-up of programs, for those times when you need a break from the skiing regiment (or, if you just can’t pull yourself away from the hill, join us for our daily evening programs)!

The entire weeks Recreation Department programming can be downloaded here. Print one out & hang it on the fridge!

Don’t forget...the Valley has a list of amenities, organizations & programs comparable to no other resort! For other great events, including Rey Center programs, Ski Area events & more, pleasedownload your copy of “The Resort Insider” here.

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department! We hope that you’ll visit us this vacation week!

From the Director’s Desk: Winter 2010 Newsletter

2011-02-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

Well, it’s official! Winter has arrived in Waterville Valley. The Ski Area is open, the Valley floor is graced with flurries & the Recreation Department is geared up for winter programs. We’ve got a great lineup of daily events and expanded vacation & holiday week programming.

Please find all the details & news from the Recreation Department in our Winter Newsletter. Click here to download & print a copy - hang it on your fridge or share it with friends!